Lesson Plan for Mr.

Bushman 3/2/10
7th grade Social Studies
Topic: Illinois Topography

Essential Question
1. How does the topography of Illinois differ from that of the rest of the U.S.?

Objectives/Standards
• The students will be able to define the term topography
• The students will be able to depict the topography of Illinois on a map
• The students will be able to use a map legend to understand symbols

ISBE Standards
• 17.A.3b
• 17.D.3b

Materials
• PowerPoint showing examples of topographic maps
• Play Dough
• Blank map of Illinois

Procedure
1. Show an example of a topographic map on the PowerPoint, making special note of the
definition of the word “topography.”
2. Point out the legend on the topographic map, explaining how to use it in relation to a map
3. Hand out blank maps of Illinois along with multiple colors of Play Dough
4. Have the students recreate the topographic map of Illinois using Play Dough on their blank
maps
5. Have the students mark specific places with a pencil dot (school, Champaign, Chicago,
Springfield).
6. Have the students create a legend for their map, listing what different colors mean as well as
symbols representing the places they marked with a pencil

Assessment
1. Once the students understand the definition of topography, the recreation of the topographic
map using Play Dough will serve as the assessment. By using the multiple colors of Play
Dough, the students will be showing that they understand different colors mean different
elevations. Also, by creating a legend on the map with proper implication of what colors and
symbols represent, this will show their understanding of how to use a legend, as well as create
one on their own.